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Why Subaru gets sued over 2006 Tribeca hood latch issue

Subaru Tribeca owners need to be aware of a potential dangerous issue with the hood. Why is Subaru being sued over the outgoing 2006 Tribeca?

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Subaru has discontinued the Tribeca model from their lineup and a new 7-passenger Subaru SUV is on its way. Subaru is now being hit with a lawsuit over the outgoing model. According to the Courier Post, a Pennsylvania woman has sued Subaru of America for an alleged hood latch issue on the 2006 Subaru Tribeca. The report says drivers of the 2006 SUV are at risk of accidents from a defective hood-locking mechanism, but there’s a possibility that other years could be affected.

The Courier Post says Marion Hadley, who owns a 2006 Tribeca, had the hood-locking mechanism fail on her 2006 B9 Tribeca while she was driving about 65 mph earlier this year. The lawsuit contends, the hood unlatched and flew open smashing into the windshield, blocking her view of the road and causing extensive damage to the all-wheel-drive vehicle.

The lawsuit files last week by Brooklyn attorney Benjamin Elga, also contends that there have been 17 similar complaints that are on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website. According to the lawsuit, "The Internet is replete with examples of blogs and other websites where consumers have complained about the 2006 Tribeca with the exact same defect.”

No injuries have been reported, but according to the report by the Courier Post, Subaru of America failed to warn Tribeca owners of the alleged hood defect, has refused to cover the cost of repairs, and goes on to say, the hood-latch issue puts drivers at risk of death or serious injury. If the lawsuit sticks, Subaru could face up to $5 million in claims.